Pool Fencing Regulations Explained

Understanding and abiding by swimming pool fencing regulations is incredibly important. Drowning is the most common cause of death in children under five and, last year, more than 40 people drowned in a backyard pool. Following fencing regulations is one way to reduce the number of these deaths. In addition, the penalties for not ensuring your pool fencing is up to standard range from $200 fines, right up to $5,000 dollar penalties if you’re taken to court.

When Your Pool Needs a Fence

If your pool contains water over 300mm in depth, then you must provide fencing, according to Australia’s pool fencing regulations. This rule applies to both below and above ground pools, Jacuzzis, spas and indoor pools. In Victoria, the regulations even apply to some inflatable swimming pools.

When Your Pool Doesn’t Need a Fence

There are some instances where you are not legally required to have a fence installed. These include:

Bird baths and fish ponds (where the water depth is less than 300mm)

Fountains and damsWater supply and storage tanks

Baths used for personal hygiene and emptied after each use

Pools or spas that do not contain water any deeper than 300mm

Inflatable swimming pools (like toddler and wading pools) that do not contain water any deeper than 300mm

Spas that are located inside a building that are used for the purposes of personal hygiene (such as a spa bath in a bathroom which is emptied after each use)

What Are The Pool Fencing Regulations?

Pool fencing regulations are frequently updated and do vary from state to state. You must obtain a building permit before you begin any work on a pool or a pool fence. This is a general list of what you have to do to satisfy the regulatory requirements:

The swimming pool area must be clearly defined, and only accessible by a self-closing and self-latching device such as gate or a screen door.

The self-latching device (such as gate or a screen door) has to be at least 1.5 meters above ground level.

Pool fencing and gates must be inaccessible to a child under the age of five.

The gate must swing away from the swimming pool.

The design of the fencing should make it impossible for a child to climb up and over the top of it.

Nearby objects cannot reduce the height of the fence. For instance, if there are stairs leading down to the pool, then the fence must be made high enough so that it cannot be climbed up and over from the last stair.

The fence should be built a minimum of 1.2 meters away from any climbable trees or other objects.

If the wall of a building is taking the place of fencing, any windows or doors that could possibly be used to access the swimming pool must have child resistant latches fitted to them.

If timber fencing is used for the purposes of swimming pool fencing, then it must be constantly maintained. Rotten, cracked or broken palings are not acceptable under pool fencing regulations.

All of these swimming pool fencing regulations must be satisfied before the pool is filled.

It is illegal to leave a pool fence propped or wedged permanently open.

In Victoria, all pools and spas built after 2010 require a four-sided barrier (also known as an isolation fence), with no direct access available from either the house or any building that may be adjacent to the swimming pool or spa.

The list above is by no means exhaustive, and should not be relied upon as the ultimate guide to swimming pool fencing regulations. If you’d like further information, visit:

Pools are an amazing addition to the backyard but they become a danger if they’re not fenced properly. That’s why it’s important to go to the experts before you start work. That means reading up on the regulations, applying for the appropriate permits and only using fencing contractors that understand and follow pool fencing regulations.

Everlast Services will ensure your pool fencing is compliant and that your pool is safe for everyone to use.

Our number one priority is providing the highest possible standards of workmanship on every job. We stand behind the quality of all of our projects 100%.

We pride ourselves on building quality fences at an affordable price. In fact, if you can find a cheaper quote for the same job, we promise to beat it by 5%.

With more than 20 years in the Melbourne fencing industry, we know all there is to know about swimming pool fencing. So, why not let us apply our expertise for a fence guaranteed to delight.

We are a steel fabricator and wholesaler, with a manufacturing plant in Hoppers Crossing. So, we can supply high-quality, affordable steel and metal fencing materials direct to you. This cuts out the middleman, making your project much cheaper.